Fosterburg student earns MVCS valedictorian honor

ALTON — Emily Renee Bernhard, daughter of Paul and Paula Bernhard of Fosterburg, gave the valedictorian address for the 2014 graduating class of Mississippi Valley Christian School on May 23.

Senior class president and 2013 Homecoming queen, Emily’s achievements include a 4.24 grade point average, the Silver Medallion Award; Alton-Godfrey Rotary Student of the Month; Elijah P. Lovejoy Academic Achievement Award Scholarship; Pastor’s Honor Roll, all four years; 2013 VFW Voice of Democracy Essay Competition Winner and 2014 runner-up; MVCS Christian Leadership Award; 2012, 2013; IACS Blue Ribbon in Classical Piano, 2011, 2012, 2013 and third-place state winner, 2014; IACS Blue Ribbon in U.S. History/Geography Testing, 2012, and English Testing, 2013; Red Ribbon in English Testing, 2012, 2014; Illinois State Music Teachers’ Association Piano District Winner, 2011; MVCS MVIT Volleyball All-Tournament Team, 2012, 2013; MVCS Volleyball MVP 2013-14. She has actively served in her church orchestra and five years as church pianist and accompanist. She plans to attend Faith Baptist Bible College and major in music therapy.

Co-salutatorians were Kristen Rayann Beck, daughter of Dale and Jenni Beck of Godfrey; and Andrew Allen White, son of Allen and Peggy White of Alton.

The 2014 Homecoming Queen, Kristen’s accomplishments included 2014 IACS State Champion in U.S. History/Geography Testing, Silver Medallion Award and DAR Good Citizenship Award. She is actively involved in the music and youth programs of her church. Her plans are to attend the Paul Mitchell School of Cosmetology in St. Louis with a long-term goal of having her own salon.

Andrew’s achievements include the Silver Medallion Award, DAR Good Citizen’s Award, DAR Good Citizen’s Essay Contest Winner, MVCS 2013-14 Soccer Christian Athlete Award and 2013 Bethel All-Tournament Basketball team. He serves as the audio/sound technician at his church. He will enter Bob Jones University in the fall in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in engineering, and then on to obtain his master’s degree.

The MVCS 2014 average ACT composite score for 2014 was 24.5; the Illinois state average was 20.6.